Antipsychotic Dose Equivalents

March 15, 2020

Antipsychotic Usage in Long Term Care

Antipsychotics are used for a variety of indications in LTC. Sometimes, patients need to be switched from one antipsychotic to another for insurance reasons, efficacy, or adverse effects. The tables below provide a list of antipsychotic dose equivalents:

First Generation Antipsychotics

Second Generation Antipsychotics

Regulation Compliance and Best Practices

Remember, as stated in the regulations, residents must not receive any medications which are not clinically indicated to treat a specific condition. The medical record must show documentation of the diagnosed condition for which a medication is prescribed.

Within the first year in which a resident is admitted on a psychotropic (i.e. antipsychotic) medication or after the prescribing practitioner has initiated a psychotropic medication, the facility must attempt a GDR in two separate quarters (with at least one month between the attempts), unless clinically contraindicated. After the first year, a GDR must be attempted annually, unless clinically contraindicated.

PRN orders for anti-psychotic drugs are limited to 14 days and cannot be renewed unless the attending physician or prescribing practitioner evaluates the resident for the appropriateness of that medication.

Monitoring Adverse Effects and Efficacy of Antipsychotic Drug Therapy

Monitoring for adverse effects as well as efficacy of therapy must be in place. Adverse effects of antipsychotics may include:

BLACK BOX WARNINGS: The FDA Boxed Warning which accompanies second generation anti-psychotics states, “Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical anti-psychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death." The FDA issued a similar Boxed Warning for first generation antipsychotic drugs.

Pharmacy Partnerships for Antipsychotic Medication Management

When you partner with HealthDirect, we constantly review medications for effectiveness and adverse reactions to optimize therapy. Through our ongoing medication management rewiew process and participation in QA committees, we are connected, available and constantly working with you toward enhanced resident wellness. For more information about how HealthDirect can help with antipsychotic medication management, call us at (888) 708-3999. Our knowledgeable team is available from Monday –Friday, 8:00am to 4:30 pm EST. Or, if you prefer, visit our contact page.

Brandi VanValkenburg

Brandi provides personalized care as a pharmacy consultant with HealthDirect's northeastern region. She has been serving our clients for over 10 years.